PRETENDING CAN BE YOUR ENDING –

While trying to get out of the situation he found himself in by acting like a mad man in the court of King Achish, David learned more about how lying in jest just to get what one wants, can boomerang. While trying to entice King Achish to help put him out of King Saul’s reach, David attempted to gain sympathy by pretending. So with spittle running down his beard David scratched a crazy message on the castle gate that read: “Achish king of Gath owes me 100,000 gold coins, and his wife owes me 50,000.” But this caused Achish’s wife and daughter to go into hysteria, so instead of giving him a safe place to hide Achish kicked him out of the palace. It was a hard lesson, but one David would never forget.

“I will never stop praising the LORD Eternal; praise for Him will always be the first thing out of my mouth. And I won’t stop testifying about the LORD Eternal; I want everyone going through difficult times to be encouraged and keep going. Why don’t you join me in magnifying the LORD Eternal; let’s exalt Him together for who He is. Listen everyone, let me tell you what it’s like to show respect for the LORD: ‘If you want to live a good life and be prosperous, then don’t slander or become known as a back-stabber. Don’t be mean; make friends and live in peace. For the LORD watches what His children are doing, and is ready to respond when they ask for help. And He puts His arms around those who are convicted of their wrong doing; yes, He is more than willing to forgive those with a repentant heart’.” Psalm 34:1-3, 11-15, 18

Reflection: Here is a suggestion on how to apologize sincerely after you realize you’ve hurt someone: “When you are ready to apologize, don’t just say, ‘I’m sorry,’ and leave it at that. Explain why are you are apologizing. Prove to the other person that you understand what you did. It could be as simple as, ‘I’m sorry that I didn’t take out the garbage even though you asked me nicely to do so several times,’ or something broader like, ‘I’m sorry that I’m such a bad listener, and I always cut you off before you finish talking.’ With that said, don’t apologize sarcastically in a meaningless, generalized way such as, ‘OK, I’m sorry that I’m so imperfect, and can never live up to your expectations, and I’m sorry for being born, and for being the worst person on Earth.’ Obviously that will just make things worse.”

David learned the hard way that you don’t prepare for a difficult situation after it takes place, any more than one gets ready for a flood after the waters crest; or someone begins to stock up for a hurricane after the wind peals shingles off the roof; or after the forest fire has encircled the cabin blocking any exit route. David is offering advice on how to be spiritually prepared to prevent possible tragedies by avoiding their causes. In other words, even though you don’t know the bridge collapsed, or the hillside slid down blocking the highway. When conditions yell, “Caution,” don’t continue speeding, pretending that you’re an exception to the rule because this only happens to others. No, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and He will guide you to a safer place.